Government has explaining to do on absent flood prevention committee - Troy

Athlone Advertiser, Thu, Apr 14, 2016

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford - Westmeath Robert Troy has described as “shocking” the revelation that a high level flood prevention committee failed to meet for a period of four years.

Deputy Troy says that people affected by flooding in recent years have been hoodwinked into believing that their plight was top of the Government agenda. “The findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General demonstrate that the Fine Gael and Labour Government simply do not take the threat posed by flooding seriously,“ he said.

“It’s nothing short of a disgrace that the Government-appointed committee tasked with formulating flood prevention and alleviation strategies did not meet over a four-year period. This is despite the fact that many communities experienced devastating flooding during these four years. Numerous Government ministers told us in recent months that everything possible was being done to protect homes and businesses from flooding.

“However, the report from the Comptroller and Auditor General paints a different picture. It shows us that Fine Gael and Labour took their eye off the ball when it comes to dealing with the threat posed by flooding.“

Deputy Troy is calling on the Minister for the Office of Public Works, Simon Harris, to launch an investigation to determine why this high level committee did not meet over a four-year period. He is also calling for Minister Harris to explain why he has not engaged with this committee since coming to office.

“People at risk of flooding need assurance that the Government is doing everything it can to assist them,” Deputy Troy said. “Steps need to be taken to ensure this absent committee does not continue to sit idly by as people struggle to cope with the aftermath of flooding and the possibility of further disruption in the years ahead.”